Aldridge coup for Wrockites

Wrockwardine Wood are celebrating the capture of arguably the third best bowler in Britain.

Champion of Champions runner-up Anthony Aldridge has agreed to join the Telford club for next year's Furrows Shropshire Premier League season.

The signing of the Staffordshire star, who won the Meole Brace Open in April to qualify for the Blackpool showpiece, is sure to make the 2009 Premier season one of the most eagerly anticipated in the league's 15-year history.

Aldridge, who also won the Ellesmere Open in June,is now established as one of the pack closing in on British top two of Gary Ellis (Greater Manchester) and Yorkshire's Graeme Wilson.

The Wrockites were fifth in the campaign just finished, and skipper Dale Downes is certain Aldridge can help them cut into the 28 point deficit on champions Castlefields.

"I understand there are one or two problems at his old club, Woodfield (Wolverhampton), and he's been asked to sign by other people. But he's coming to us – and is only too happy for us to publicise it," said a delighted Downes.